The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yobe

  • UN calls for protection for women, men, children forced to relocate to Maiduguri

    Mr Edward Kallon, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, has called on Federal Government to protect up to 10,000 women, men and children who were forced to relocate to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, from a town 40km.

    Kallon in a statement by Samantha Newport, Head of Communications, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Nigerian military ordered the immediate departure of and relocation of up to 10,000 civilians in the middle of the night, without prior warning, from Jakana town.

    He said that the military transported the IDPs by bus or truck to Bakassi camp for internally displaced people.

    According to the military the civilians were relocated for security reasons ahead of planned operations in the area.

    “The entire town of Jakana was emptied, and people were forced to move to Maiduguri with very little time to collect personal belongings, some of them said they arrived in Maiduguri with nothing, not even with shoes on their feet.

    “The UN is urging the Government to urgently provide safety, shelter, food, water and medical care to the displaced civilians, in addition to information about when they will be allowed to return home,” Kallon said.

    The UN official also called on the government to adopt practical measures to ensure the protection of civilians and respect of the rights of individuals in accordance with its obligations under international humanitarian law; international human rights law and Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

    Kallon reiterated the commitments of the UN to provide humanitarian assistance to persons displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

  • Breaking: Damaturu under Boko Haram attack

    Suspected Boko Haram fighters are reportedly in gun duel with military along Damaturu-Maiduguri road, Yobe state.

    Details shortly…

  • Yobe PDP gov candidate concedes defeat, rules out court action

    Almost a month after his defeat, governorship candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe state Amb Umar Damagum has congratulated the governor-elect Mai Mala Buni.

    The PDP candidate told reporters after his party’s review meeting of their performance in the last election.

    He called on the governor-elect to be fair and just to every Yobe reside irrespective of their party affiliation.

    Damagum said the time for politics was over, urging the business of governance should be put in the front burner instead of petty politics of victimisation.

    He also disclosed his party will not be heading to the tribunal over outcome of the polls in the state.

    “Even though, there are so many things that have bedeviled the elections but winner has been announced.

    “We have no option but to accept the will of God, and move forward to do what is important for me and my supporters,” he noted.

    Damagum expressed reservation with the electoral body but noted such issues would not stop him from congratulating the winner.

    He urged the governor- elect to use his mandate for the good of those who elected them.

    “I congratulated our Governor Elect, Mai Mala Buni with his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana. I call on him to look at Yobe as his entire constituency knowing that God has given him this opportunity that every other person living in Yobe is his responsibility.

    “He should be just and fair to everyone and should mix petty politics with governance. The time for politics is over. It is now the time to build Yobe. I wish him all the best,” Damagum said.

    Asked whether he will be heading to the tribunal, he replied: “I cannot go into what I am uncertain about. I can’t go to the tribunal.

    “All I know is that I had a good running battle but with what is happening in the country and the judiciary itself, I don’t think I would go into an uncertain venture. I accept the will of God and the wishes of Yobe people.”

    Asked if he would accept an opportunity to be part of the APC- led government if given the opportunity, Damagum said: “Until he contacts me, I will decide that.

    “Like I call on this people for this meeting, if he contacts me, I will also call them together, discuss and give him an answer.”

    He thanked his supporters and expressed optimism that bright and better future is awaiting the party ahead.

  • Buratai hails troops for neutralising insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    THE Nigerian Army said yesterday that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralised between Borno and Yobe axis when they attempted to overrun a military base.

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Ado Isa said following the feat, Chief of Army staff Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai sent words of encouragement to the troops for their gallantry.

    Colonel Isa explained in a statement that some of the fleeing terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds and their gun trucks and weapons were destroyed.

    He said: “The dogged troops of 152 Battalion successfully crushed some members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) when they attempted to infiltrate their location yesterday, March 11, 2019 at about 1900hrs around Bula – Yobe, Banki axis in Borno State.

    “The terrorists in their futile attempt came in with several gun trucks mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns and motorcycles.

    “The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower and inflicted heavy casualty on the BHTs and their equipment.

    “The fierce gun battle set confusion and disorganisation in the terrorists camp, withdrawing in disarray while the troops gave them a hot pursuit.

    Read also: Buhari ‘ll bridge gap between rich and poor, says Olokesusi

    “In that process, unconfirmed number of terrorists were neutralised while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “A gun truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft Gun and several motorcycles belonging to the BHTs were destroyed while one gun truck mounted with anti-aircraft gun and mortar carrier were captured from the terrorists.

    “The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Benson Akinroluyo, through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, extolled their effort and sacrifice and also conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) special commendation for their dogged fighting spirit and brilliance. He urged them to maintain the aggressive posture and sustain the offensive.”

  • Troops neutralise scores of insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralized between Borno and Yobe axis when they attempted to overrun a military base.

    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa said following the feat the Chief of Army staff; Lt Gen Tukur Buratai sent words of encouragement to the troops for their gallantry.

    Colonel Isa explained in a statement that some of the fleeing terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds, while their gun trucks and weapons were destroyed.

    He said: “The dogged troops of 152 Battalion successfully crushed some members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) when they attempted to infiltrate their location Wednesday, 11 March 2019 at about 1900hrs around Bula – Yobe, Banki axis in Borno State.

    “The Terrorists in their futile attempt came in with several Gun Trucks mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns and Motorcycles.

    “The troops engaged the terrorists with superior fire power and inflicted heavy casualty on the BHTs and their equipment.

    “The fierce gun battle set confusion and disorganisation in the terrorists’ camp, withdrawing in disarray while the troops gave them a hot pursuit.

    “In that process, unconfirmed numbers of terrorists were neutralized while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “A Gun Truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft Gun and several Motorcycles belonging to the BHTs were destroyed while one Gun truck mounted with Anti -Aircraft Gun and Mortar Carrier were captured from the terrorists.

    “The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Benson Akinroluyo through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu extolled their effort and sacrifice and also conveyed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s special commendation for their dogged fighting spirit and brilliance. He urged them to maintain the aggressive posture and sustain the offensive.”

  • Army arrests journalists on election duty in Yobe

    Two journalists were yesterday arrested by the Nigerian Army in Damaturu while on election duty for the governorship and state house of assembly elections.

    The journalists, Musa Myingi of Blue Print newspapers and Kabiru Matazu, were detained for hours by soldiers at Operation Restore Order 3 (ORO3) near Union Bank in Damaturu, Yobe State.

    The journalists, who were using their personal vehicles, were fully kitted with INEC approved sticker, INEC’s reflective jackets, INEC-issued Identification cards and their  company’s ID cards, yet they were not spared by the over-zealous soldiers, who threatened to brutalise them, should they attempt to leave the premises.

    One of the journalists, Kabiru Matazu, informed that they were surprised by the action of the soldiers.

    Matazu said the action of the soldiers affected his work, as they were detained for several hours.

    According to him, the army lieutenant said he was acting under the command of the GOC, saying “he will not listen to any journalist’s appeal.

    “Do you think you have any right? Go there and stay until I decided what to do with you,” he threatened.

    Matazu also informed that several other vehicles, including other monitors’, were seized and parked at the ORO3 premises.

    One of the election monitors was quoted as saying, “That particular officer is known for maltreating people without caution. We will take up the matter for justice to be served,” he said.

  • Gaidam, Lawan, Bomoi elected APC senators in Yobe

    Yobe State Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam despite inability to vote for himself got elected as senator representing Yobe East at the senate under the platform of APC.

    Also elected is the Senate Leader, Dr Ahmed Lawan from Yobe North, while the Former Director of Treasury at Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Alh. Ibrahim Mohamed Bomoi got the Yobe South senatorial seat, defeating the incumbent PDP senator, Mohammed Hassan aka DEMBU.

    All the three senatorial results have been officially declared by their returning officers and the winners elected and returned.

    Announcing the results, the returning officer for Yobe East senatorial election, Dr. Aliyu Shehu of Federal University Gashua declared Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam as the winner having scored 139, 277 from his closest challenger Tata Abbagana of PDP who scored 18,059.

    In the Yobe South Senatorial Elections, the Returning Officer, Prof. Iwarere Taiwo Henry of Federal University Gashua declared Alhaji Ibrahim Bomoi as winner with 118, 729 while his PDP counterpart, Mohammed Hassan trailed behind with 89,049 votes.

    The senatorial election in the Yobe North also went in favour of APC’S Ahmed Lawan, the senate majority leader. The result was announced by the returning officer; Prof. M.O Aduloju from Federal University of Gashua announced that Sen. Lawan scored 144,099 as against his PDP opponent, Hon. Sherriff Abullahi with 53,443 votes.

    This is the third time Sen. Lawan will be re-elected back to the senate after serving two terms at the House of Representatives.

    The APC has also won all the six seats of the House of Representatives in the state.

  • Buhari leads Atiku in Yobe

    President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is leading Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party in results collated from 16 out of the 17 local government areas in Yobe.

    The results submitted to the collation centre under the supervision of Prof. Abubakar Gundiri, the state Collation Officer, had Buhari scoring 42,485 votes against Atiku’s 3,295 votes in Bade Local Government Area and in Bursari Buhari had 22,253 votes while Atiku scored 2,555 votes.

    In Fune Local Government, Buhari polled 43,948 as against 5,707 votes scored by Atiku, while in Buhari scored 42,448 votes as against Atiku who scored 5,522 votes

    Similarly, in Giedam Buhari received 16, 338 votes, while Atiku scored 613 votes only, while in Gulani, Buhari scored 22,858 votes as against Atiku’s 2,612 votes.

    In Jakusko, Buhari scored 34,424 votes as against Atiku’s 3,390 votes, and in Nguru, Buhari got 36,433 votes to beat Atiku who polled 5,352 votes, while in Potiskum, Buhari got 62,101 votes to trounce Atiku who scores 4,331 votes.

    Read Also: Buhari leaves Daura for Abuja

    In Yunusari, Buhari garnered 22,837 votes to beat Atiku who polled 939 votes, and in Yusufari Buhari scored 22,157 votes as against Atiku’s 3,567 votes.

    Others include: Gujba Local Government showed Buhari got 12,227 votes, while Atiku scored 325 votes and, in Tarmuwa Local Government, Buhari got 12,122 votes as against Atiku’s 1, 269 votes.

    In Damaturu Local Government Area, Buhari scored 35,772 votes to beat Atiku who got 2,099 votes, while in Karasuwa Local Government, Buhari polled 22,377 votes to beat Atiku who got 3,692 votes.

    The President also scored 14,619 votes to beat Atiku who scored 2,315 votes in Machina Local Government Area.

  • Boko Haram’s explosions rock Borno, Yobe on election day

    The terror sect, Boko Haram, rained gunfire and explosives on parts of Borno and Yobe states yesterday moments before polls opened for the presidential and national assembly elections.

    But their efforts were not enough to stop hundreds of thousands  of voters in the two states to exercise their franchise.

    The Borno State police command confirmed that the sect “attempted to infiltrate.”

    It said there were no casualties.

    The security threat in neighbouring Yobe, however,  prevented   Governor  Ibrahim Gaidam from travelling to  his Bukarti home town in Yunusari Local Government Areas to vote.

    Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital said they heard at least 13 blasts at about 6:00 am.

    The police said in a statement that the terrorists launched artillery fire apparently to disrupt the elections.

    Some missiles, it said, “strayed into vulnerable locations” but there were no casualties and the extremists retreated.

    The Director General, Media Affairs in the Yobe Governor’s office, Abdullahi Bego, said the attack on Yobe State had been brought under control and voting was going on.

    He said: “The security agencies would naturally seek to reinforce and increase security around the governor for him to travel to cast his vote.

    “The increased security around the governor will mean that vital security resources that are needed elsewhere in the state would have to be diverted and allocated to the governor,” the governor’s spokesperson said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that  the governor, in consultation with security agencies decided that it was more prudent to make the sacrifice.

    “It is better and more useful for the security agents, including soldiers, police, civil defence, DSS, to focus their attention on providing security for the election than devoting large security contingent for the governor to cast his vote,” Bego said.

    Gaidam, who is also a senatorial candidate in the Presidential and National Assembly election, commended security agencies for their effort to ensure a peaceful and successful election across the State.

    Meanwhile, Alhaji MaiMala Buni, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Yobe, said adequate preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies ensured the success of the elections.

    He made the observation after casting his vote yesterday in Damaturu, saying the timely commencement of the elections, adequate provision of election materials and security to the electorate made the election successful.

    “The massive turn out of voters was encouraged by the security apparatus put in place and the commitment to the preparations made by INEC.

    “The turnout is very impressive and the momentum should be maintained,” he said.

  • Last minute defections, victory for APC – Buni

    Alhaji MaiMala Buni, the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) Governorship Candidate in Yobe, has described the late defection of the state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Inuwa Nguru, to the APC as an additional victory to the party.

    Buni said this on Friday while fielding questions from newsmen in Damaturu.

    He said Nguru joined the party for his personal conviction that President Muhammadu Buhari and APC are truly committed to national interest and remains the best option for Nigeria’s democracy.

    “The defection of Inuwa Nguru and his supporters is a major political fortune for the party who will work assiduously for the re-election of President Buhari and the victory of the party at all levels.

    “Alhaji Inuwa Nguru has practically and personally seen the achievements of the President Muhammad Buhari-led administration and the commitment towards a better life for Nigerians.

    “The former chairman was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the re-election of President Buhari and APC was the best option for Nigeria and this informed his last minute decision to abandon PDP for APC.

    “In spite of all persuasions by the opposition party, the former chairman took an independent and honest decision in the interest of the nation and in accordance to the dictates of his conscience.’’

    According to the governorship candidate, Yobe has enjoyed major intervention programmes including completion of the 330KVA power transmission line, Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari federal highway, education and healthcare delivery.

    “We are proud to say that at the state level, the APC administration has more than ever provided democracy dividends in road network, healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and economic empowerment to the citizenry.

    “It is on record that while most states could not pay salaries, the APC administration in the state had consistently paid salaries, pension and gratuities to retired civil servants making it a leading workers friendly state in the country,” he said.

    Buni expressed optimism that Buhari and APC National Assembly candidates would record landslide victory in the Saturday elections.

    “We are hopeful that the rescheduled election will be free, fair and peaceful as INEC has promised and assured Nigerians of their preparedness,” he said.